After last year’s low attendance of 115 the committee planning the day was delighted with this year’s gathering of 170 persons at the old Butler High School auditorium. Wow, what a day we had! The highlight had to be the program about the Orphan Train Children.
On Wednesday, August 24th at 1:00 pm, President Phyllis Wheatley introduced Mayor Don Malan who welcomed the attendees. Pastor Ron Dunlap then gave the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag was given. Ione Berry related to the assembly the history of the society formed in 1897. The first meeting was September 25th of that year and we were told that before noon no less than 5000 had filled the courthouse yard and the affair lasted until evening.
The musical program by Irene Holt was well received. She ended with leading the Sing-a-Long of old time songs. Peggy Buhr gave the nominating committee report. The officers for 2012 are President Phyllis Wheatley, Vice President Myrna Craft, Secretary Zella Doane and Treasurer Joanne Buhr. No other nominations were received from the floor. The names listed were approved by voice vote.
An informative and delightful program about the Orphan Trains was presented by Myrna Craft, Kay Wright, Barbara Burch, Etha Pearl Black, Joanne Buhr, Dana Bridges and young misses Kya Bridges and Kamden Fennewald. The players, dressed in period costumes, portrayed young orphans and parents being united while Myrna shared the history of the Orphan Trains. Kay Wright gave a compelling story of a young child being placed on a train in Oklahoma and arriving in Bates County. Much to the surprise of everyone, Kay’s story was that of her mother, Emily Powell. Applause filled the room at the conclusion of the performance. Next was a break for refreshments served by Ina Van Sandt, Lois Muiller and Faye O’Riley. Cookies, soda and water were enjoyed.
Presentation of Awards followed:
~Oldest man present born in Bates County was Emmett Berry, 99 years old.
~Oldest woman present born in Bates County was Thelma Wheatley, 96 years old.
~Oldest person present born elsewhere was Toppy Clark, 100 years old.
Cash awards were given to 22 couples married Fifty years or longer. Cash awards were give to honor 51 persons 85 years old and over. Everyone received a door prize in the drawing. Winifred Gaston and Phillip Poindexter decorated windows on the Butler Square and received cash awards.
Several stayed to help put away chairs and tables and all cooperation in pulling-off the day was appreciated. The local exercise class that meets in the building helped to set-up the chairs. Also aiding was Dean Kaiser and Jim Rumbo.
Generous Donors:
In no particular order, the following businesses and individuals gave cash or items for door prizes: Town Square Hardware, Napa Auto Parts of Butler, Taco Bell, State Farm Insurance, Dave’s Quality Auto Repair, Hammett’s Collision Repair, Adrian Journal, Adrian Bank, Citizens Bank, Dr. Hatten, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Craigmiles Financial, Kreisler Drugs, Yoss’ Thriftway, Vanderman Farms, Walmart, Community 1st Bank, What To Wear, Stoplight Market, Deem’s Farm Equipment, Sharon Cumpton, Gayle Fleischer, Pizza Hut, Westward Gifts, Dr. John Noe, Family Center, Sallie’s Beauty Shop and Sonic. Also, Hometown Pharmacy, Sandy’s Herb Shop, Wilson Tire, Dusty Attic, Bates County Office Supply, Casey’s, Danny Cox Feed Store, Flaming Lantern, Heiman Agri Service, McDonald’s, Atmos Energy, Osage Pecan, Pitt Brothers, Shelter Insurance, Barney Fisher, Richard Koehler, Terry’s Beauty Boutique, Security Bank, Healthmart, Caskey-Hopkins & Wilhelmus, Cook Insurance, Hallmark, Wheatley Bookkeeping, Rich Hill Feed & Grain, Heuser’s Funeral Home, Cruiser’s Pizza, D & D Tire, Schowengerdt’s Funeral Chapel, Carol Simpson, Printmaster, E.B.T., Mildred Blevins, John & Phyllis Stewart, Danny & Marcia Smith, Mullinax Funeral Home, Lucille Lindsey, Toppy Clark, Donna Gregory, Diana Rich, Lucille Mundey, Roger Pruden, Marlene Wainscott, Larry Berry, Randy Pike and Jim Platt.
Drinks, cookies and ice were furnished by Adrian Manor, Medicalodge, Willow Lane, Yoss Thriftway and Country Mart.
Submitted by:
Phyllis Wheatley, President
Old Settlers Society
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